The Life And Ministry Of William Archer
Earthen Vessel 1896:
Mr. W. Archer, Pastor, Acton Tabernacle, South Acton
Dear brother Banks,—As you wished me to give you a little account of the way in which I have been led, I will do so very briefly. I was born March 26th, 1831, in the parish of Barking, Essex. My parents at that time worshipped with the Wesleyans. In the providence of God they removed to Chadwell Heath. They afterwards attended the old Baptist Chapel there under the pastoral care of the late Mr. Thomas Kendall, whose ministry was greatly blessed to them. Mr. Kendall baptized them, but he soon left and went to Romford. I may mention here what to me is very interesting. The chapel at Chadwell Heath was then supplied by the good brethren who had just formed the London Itinerant Baptist Ministers’ Association. Most of them are now in glory. My dear father frequently entertained them. I soon felt a pleasure in rendering little services at the chapel. About this time my father fractured his leg, and was in the London Hospital several times, many months at a time, when my dear mother’s faith was sorely tried with a large family of little children.
At a very early age I went to work on the farm where my father was employed for many years. When quite young I believed in the value of prayer, and can recall many instances when I have asked God to help me and save me from trouble, and O how remarkably He has answered me!
When about 15 years of age I became greatly exercised about my soul. My sins were a burden to me. Nothing my parents could say comforted me. I was afraid to read my Bible; it seemed only to condemn me. Nothing the minister could say could bring me any comfort. I was in this state of darkness for about three months, and felt that I must be lost. One Monday morning, when returning from the field, the Lord caused the light to shine into my soul with these sweet words, “Come hither, soul; I am the Way.” I saw Jesus, my Saviour; the burden of sin was gone, and I was filled with joy. When I arrived home my dear mother saw the change. She said, “What is the matter, my boy?” I told her Christ was my Saviour. O how she rejoiced with me! so we blessed the Lord together. I was in this happy frame of mind for some time, and thought doubts and fears were gone for ever, but after a time found them still troubling me.
At the age of 16 I was baptized at the old Baptist Chapel, Ilford, by Mr. Kendall, and joined the Church at Chadwell Heath, where my parents were members. Mr. Kendall had again resumed the pastorate there. In the year 1852 I came to London, and attended the ministry of the late Mr. Philip Dickerson, Little Alie-street Chapel, united with the Church with my wife in February, 1854, and was soon engaged in the Sick Visiting Society. In the year 1860 I was asked to speak occasionally in a mission room. Soon after that the late Mr. J. H. Dearsley invited me to attend the monthly meeting of the London Itinerant Ministers’ Association (Mr. Dearsley was one of the ministers who often preached at Chadwell Heath at the time of my boyhood). I joined the Association, and was soon sent out to speak. The Lord has helped me to sow the good seed of the kingdom in many places far and near. May He cause it to grow and bring forth an abundant harvest. I have had much encouragement, though sometimes many discouragements.
I continued itinerating till 1885, when I accepted the pastorate of the Church at Acton Tabernacle. In the year 1881 the late Mr. J. W. Marten opened his house for the preaching of the Gospel in Acton. We were encouraged in our work of faith and labour of love. It was laid upon our hearts to arise and build; it was rather uphill work, but the good hand of our God was upon us, and we now have a very comfortable chapel to worship in. It is freehold, and free of debt. This is the fifteenth chapel I have been interested in, in all of which the Gospel is being preached. I need only add, “Hitherto the Lord hath helped me.”
To His name be all the glory.
W. Archer
Earthen Vessel 1902, Page 375
Acton Tabernacle.—At the Monthly Church Meeting in October, 1902, Mr. W. Archer resigned his pastorate, the state of his health and the distance of his residence from Acton, leading him to feel it to be his duty to do so in the interests of the church, and, on Lord’s-day, Oct. 26th, he preached his farewell sermons; in the morning taking for his text Isa. 40:1,2, and in the evening Phil. 4:19. At the conclusion of the evening service Mr. James Wright, in the name and on the behalf of members and friends or the Cause, presented the pastor with a purse containing £5 10s. as a small parting gift, and, as an expression of esteem in love for his work’s sake. Mr. S. G. Elliott, just previously to the presentation, read a farewell address, testifying to Mr. Archer’s steadfast adherence to the truth of God, and to his faithful ministry; gratefully acknowledging, too, his many years of devoted labour as pastor, and his earnest personal efforts in connection with the founding of the Cause and the building of the chapel; the address concluded with the prayer, that the grace of God might abound towards him and that the presence and blessing of the Lord might crown his closing days. Mr. Archer in responding expressed his heartfelt appreciation of the love and goodwill manifested towards him in parting, and said that whilst he would not cease to pray for the peace and prosperity of the Church at Acton, it would be a comfort and help to him to know that he was still remembered by his brethren and sisters in their prayers at the throne of grace.—S. G. E.
William Archer (1831-?) was a Strict and Particular Baptist preacher. He served as an itinerate minister between the years 1860 and 1885. He was then appointed pastor of the church meeting at Acton Tabernacle, South Acton, resigning this office in 1902 due to ill-health.
